Flat roofs are known as being problematic with many suffering leaks.
Flat roof problems on spanish properties.
Flat roof defect 1 standing water.
If you are using a flat concrete roof then you are using a roofing system that holds up against heavy winds.
This may become apparent initially in staining and then be followed by major water ingress.
Pros and cons for flat roof materials.
For all new flat roof tiled surfaces be sure to incorporate tile joints of 3mm or more as close butted tiles may heave when the terrace heats up.
Leaks and moisture probably the most common problems with flat roofs leaks and lingering moisture are issues that can be dealt with effectively as long as you stay on top of them.
Many new roofs and terraces in spain are still being installed without insulation and the use of cheaper inferior grouts and jointing compounds is common.
This is one of the primary causes of flat roof leakages.
This is not a self diagnostic guide but rather an informative list of some of the problems most often battled.
Typical signs of flat roof problems in spain include the obvious tracking of water from the roof area down into the living area of a property.
Flat roofs usually come with a 10 to 20 year warranty but can last 25 years if you build the roofs right and maintain them using commonsense rules.
If durability is important to you then a flat roof is just the system for you.
Just like any roof a flat roof will develop leaks but since it s flat the water doesn t have anywhere to go but straight down.
Unfortunately a frequent problem encountered with flat roofs in spain relates to the inadequacy of any membrane between the roof sub surface usually concrete over a concrete block infill and the final surface most commonly tiles.
Buildings magazine examined which problems are most common and the conditions that can either cause or be the result of premature failure and reduced service life of low slope roof systems.
However in my own experience the problems with leaking flat roofs are usually as a result of either poor workmanship installing the roof membrane poor maintenance by the building owner or as a result of age.
Indeed generally speaking if a flat roof in spain is older than 20 years then you might need to renew it.
Water will start to damage your roof s material if it does not drain or evaporate within 72 hours and that means.
With this in mind let s take a look at five of the most common flat roof problems and what they could mean for your property.
Flat roofs are durable.
A flat roof is water resistant so you do not have to worry about water damage.